City of Santa Cruz
Home Menu
Sidewalk Parkway Strip Maintenance Program
Properly maintained sidewalks allow for safe travel for pedestrians and people with disabilities. In Santa Cruz, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk area and are liable for injuries that occur due to unsafe sidewalks.
To report a sidewalk hazard, contact Dan Estranero destranero@cityofsantacruz.com -- (831) 420-5160.
See below for frequently asked questions and tips about how to repair a sidewalk hazard.
1. Who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, park strip area, curb gutters and street trees?
The State of California Streets and Highways Code Chapter 22 and Santa Cruz Municipal Code Sections 15.20.210 and 13.30.060 place responsibility for maintenance of this area onto the property owners. This responsibility includes maintenance of damaged or displaced concrete, abatement of weeds or debris, and the maintenance of trees and shrubs whether on private or public property. Replacement and trimming of street trees and shrubs is further governed by Chapter 13 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code. Homeowner responsibility and liability for sidewalks fronting their property has been in place for over 30 years and is common for cities throughout California.
2. Who is liable for injuries caused by defective sidewalks?
The owner of property adjoining a sidewalk area is liable for injuries caused by that owner’s failure to maintain the sidewalk area in a safe condition (see Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 15.20.220).
3. How is the need for correction of landscape-related problems determined?
■ Clear Corner Visibility – When shrubs or tree branches interfere with vehicle operator visibility, trimming shrubs to a maximum height of thirty inches is required (30 inches maximum height, 25 feet minimum sight distance at corners), and trees must be pruned up to 8 feet above the sidewalk and 14 feet over the roadbed.
■ Walkway and Gutter Clearance – Trimming of ground cover or shrubs is required when there is an encroachment onto the sidewalk or gutter.
■ Obstacles in the Parkway Strip – Elimination of tree stumps, large rocks, trash, holes and some built-up planters is required. When the parkway strip is unimproved or landscaped and there is a drop, the parkway strip must be filled with dirt or other material (no asphalt) to eliminate tripping hazards.
4. When is concrete repair needed?
Repair of the sidewalk concrete is required in the following circumstances:
■ A vertical separation of more than one-half inch in sidewalk or concrete park strip.
■ Ramping, where there is a rise or depression of more than one inch within a horizontal distance of eight inches in conjunction with a vertical separation.
■ A separation or opening in a break or construction joint of 3/8 inch or more (Americans with Disabilities Act Standard).
■ The breaking apart or spalling of concrete with a minimum depth of more than one-half inch.
Curb and gutter repair is required in the following circumstances:
■ Where a defect interferes with the safe and reasonable use by pedestrians and bicyclists, such as
vertical or horizontal separations of more than one-half inch, or there are broken away sections
adjacent to a marginal walk or driveway approach.
■ It is part of a driveway approach replacement.
5. What are the options available for completing the work?
Construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks in City streets may be performed by a properly licensed and insured contractor. A permit is required for concrete repair, and may be issued to contractors. Permits for street tree and shrub trimming may be obtained from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Permits are valid for 45 days; call (831) 420-5270.
6. How does one go about finding a contractor?
The yellow pages or internet are good places to start. We recommend getting bids from at least three certified contractors. The contractor selected must secure a concrete construction permit from the Department of Public Works.
7. Are there inspections and standards for concrete repair work?
Yes, all work and materials must be in conformance with the City of Santa Cruz Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction and Parks and Recreation ISA Standards.
Before placing any concrete you must have the forms, base, tree root removal, and saw cuts inspected. After approval, a City-approved concrete mix must be used. Finish must be a light broom finish with score marks to match the existing sidewalk. After the work is completed, you must call for a final inspection. A permit is required for all concrete work in the public right-of-way. To obtain a permit or arrange an inspection, call (831) 420-5160.
8. Is the property owner responsible for repairs if the concrete damage is caused by a tree?
In an effort to beautify our City’s neighborhoods, street trees are encouraged in front of each residence. The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the street tree and for the cost of concrete repair, even though the concrete may have been raised by the street tree. Certain species of trees may raise concrete if preventative maintenance is not performed.
In extreme cases, street trees cannot be saved and must be removed before the sidewalk and/or curb and gutter can be replaced. City standards require replacement of the tree, to be selected from a list of approved street trees. Proper tree selection is critical and is reviewed by the City Arborist. The tree permit process in these cases must be pursued before a concrete permit can be issued. Tree permits are issued by the Parks and Recreation Department. Tree work permitting is governed by Chapter 13 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.
9. What measures should be taken to minimize concrete displacement by tree roots?
To reduce the chance of future concrete displacement, in some cases trees can be root-pruned and a root barrier installed where roots are parallel to the sidewalk. Root pruning and root barriers should be performed under the guidance of the City Arborist. Care must be taken when root pruning to avoid damaging underground utilities.
Also, deep-watering the tree, that is, applying a slow trickle of water over a 24-hour period, encourages deeper root growth which reduces the chance of sidewalk damage.
For further information about sidewalks and street trees please call:
Department of Parks & Recreation at (831) 420-5270 or Public Works Department at (831) 420-5160